Wolverhampton Grand Theatre paves the way with new community pantomime project
Following the successful Standing Tall community pantomime project, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre has once again collaborated with Heath House Studios to work on a new project.
Paving the Way is based on the themes of this year’s panto Dick Whittington, running at the Lichfield Street theatre until January 12.
The year-long project began in January 2019, since then the Grand Theatre and Heath House Studios have delivered free workshops to more than 30 groups in the local community, engaging with 500 people.
During the workshops the participants embroidered, sewed, glued and weaved to create London's Tower Bridge and a colourful market stall in Marrakech, Morocco.
The exhibit is now on display at the theatre in the stalls foyer staircase for the duration of the pantomime.
The workshops began in the summer with a group of children who were visiting the UK on a recuperative break from areas which are still affected by the radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
The project was supported by grants and support from local trusts as well as donations made by the public to the theatre's Creative Learning Fund.
Creative learning manager at the Grand Theatre, James Collins, said: “This project has been hugely inspiring for everyone involved.
"It’s been a pleasure to have met and worked with the 500 participants.
"Each of them have worked really hard to create a fantastic, vibrant and exciting exhibition, bringing their own experience and personalities to the finished product which will be seen by tens of thousands of people this festive season.”
For more information on this project or to enquire about how tour group can become involved in future projects, please contact James Collins at jamesc@grandtheatre.co.uk.
For tickets to see Dick Whittington, click here.
